Many homes across North America, and most with basements, have a drain tile system that is designed to capture water from around the foundation and funnel it to the sump pit, allowing the pump and discharge piping to carry the rising groundwater as far away from the foundation as possible. Without this system, water can seep through the walls and joints, causing mold growth, musty air within the house, and possibly leading to walls bowing and collapsing. A drain tile system is necessary for a healthy home but it creates a quick path for water to get into the home when issues with the pump happen. So every sump pit needs a redundant backup system for total protection.

• Pumping power
• Energy efficiency
• Reliability
• Longevity

• Reliably protects your basement
• Saves you money
• Uses less energy to operate

Eventually all primary sump pumps fail for 3 main reasons:

• Power Outage: When the power goes out during a big storm, the AC pump can't turn on and your basement will flood.
• Primary Pump Failure: You likely won't know your AC pump's not functioning until it doesn't activate during a storm and your basement floods.
• Stuck Float Switch: Your AC pump's float switch can get stuck and not turn on your pump, again leading to a flooded basement.

That's why we recommend adding a Basement Watchdog battery backup pump to give you more protection and peace of mind.

• When the power goes out, the backup system's battery powers the pump, keeping your basement dry.
• When your AC sump pump quits on you, your battery backup pump automatically activates, saving the day and your basement.
• When your AC pump's float switch sticks and fails to activate your primary pump, the float switch on your backup system turns the battery backup pump on.
• In severe storms, when your primary pump can't keep up with the inflow of water, the battery backup pump activates to assist the primary pump.

• AC primary pump
• Dual Float Switch and controller (SIT series, BWT series, BWSS100) or Vertical Switch (SI series)
• Stainless-steel hose clamp 

• Energy-saving permanent split capacitor motor
• Water-cooled design
• Dual ball bearings for quiet operation and long life
• Dual Float Switch or professional-grade Vertical Switch to ensure activation
• Dual shaft seals to protect the motor

Most Basement Watchdog sump pumps are constructed with all the industrial-strength features listed above.

Homeowners demand performance. They want a sump pump that's going to pump the most water to keep their basements dry. With an impressive pumping capacity, The Basement Watchdog line of primary pumps can be counted on to keep the water out of your basement. Compare the capacity of up to 4 models of Basement Watchdog primary pumps by visiting the primary pump category page, and then clicking on the orange "Compare Sump Pumps" button, examining pumping capacity and other crucial specifications to help you choose the best AC sump pump for your basement.

Savvy homeowners want a sump pump that will save them money on their electric bill and reduce impact on the environment. Responding to these challenges, The Basement Watchdog AC sump pumps are engineered with energy-efficient PSC motors that deliver industry-leading savings. These pumps basically pay for themselves!

The Basement Watchdog sump pumps are made from quality materials and are rugged inside and out, ensuring your pump will last under the harshest conditions. The patented Dual Float Switch is the most dependable float switch in the industry—incorporating not one but two floats mounted within a protective cage to give you double the reliability. These are all reasons that having a Watchdog pump in your pit gives consumers confidence that their basement will stay dry and secure.

Most Basement Watchdog AC sump pumps (BWSS, BWT, and SIT series) are rated for continuous duty, so if needed they can run nonstop for extended periods.

Continuous duty means they:

• are built to run continuously—24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• are durable and reliable
• have an extended life when used in a sump application

Not all AC sump pumps are rated for continuous operation—only continuous-duty pumps are designed for 24/7 use, while standard pumps are intended for intermittent, shorter cycles. Continuous-duty pumps such as The Basement Watchdog primary pumps (BWSS100, BWT050, BWT075, SIT-33D, and SIT-50D) are engineered with features like upper and lower sealed ball bearings creating less heat and dual shaft seals to withstand constant operation, whereas standard pumps can overheat and become damaged if run for too long. It is crucial to check the pump’s specifications to determine if it has a continuous-duty motor and is suitable for extended use.

For added reliability, the float switch has two floats. Both activate the pump. Should one float switch fail to operate, the second float automatically activates the pump. Both floats are covered by a protective cage that prevents debris or other wires from interfering with the movement of the floats.

The float switch will turn on the pump when the water raises either float, and it will remain running as long as the water is above the float. When the water drops below the float switch, an internal timer in the dual float controller will keep the pump running for additional 10 seconds to empty the remaining water in the pit.

While your primary pump systems comes with most of the items you will need in its retail carton, you will need to supply a few additional items:

• 1½-inch or 2-inch rigid PVC pipe to connect to the existing plumbing
• Check valve or union
• PVC pipe primer and cement

For narrow pits you can mount the backup pump on an "L" bracket above the main pump. You will need to purchase the following items from a hardware store:

• "L" bracket at least six inches long (preferably one that will not rust)
• 2 stainless-steel hose clamps
• 1 stainless-steel screw (#8-32 x ¾") with a matching washer & nut

Refer to your product manual for instructions on how to mount the backup pump above your primary pump.

An easier option is to purchase one of our combination systems when it is time to add a backup or replace your existing battery backup system. These systems come preassembled with check valves, a "Y" connector, and both a primary and backup pump. The compact design of our combo systems allow them to fit into most narrow pits.

 

No, currently our systems do not support lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

Many homes across North America, and most with basements, have a drain tile system that is designed to capture water from around the foundation and funnel it to the sump pit, allowing the pump and discharge piping to carry the rising groundwater as far away from the foundation as possible. Without this system, water can seep through the walls and joints, causing mold growth, musty air within the house, and possibly leading to walls bowing or collapsing. A drain tile system is necessary for a healthy home but creates a quick path for water to get into the home when issues with the pump happen. So every sump pit needs a redundant backup system. Because it’s not if—it’s when—a problem will arise. 

Everyone who has an AC sump pump should protect their basement with a backup system.

Eventually all AC sump pumps fail. The culprits are:

• Power Outage: If power fails, your AC sump pump can’t turn on; a backup sump pump uses battery power to activate during a power outage.
• Primary Pump Failure: All primary sump pumps eventually will fail after years of use. Battery backup sump pumps automatically begin pumping when your AC pump quits on you.
• Stuck Float Switch: If the float switch on your primary pump sticks, rising water in your sump pit automatically will activate the battery backup system.
• Extreme Influx of Water: If the primary sump pump can't keep up with the water volume during intense storms, the battery backup will activate to assist the AC pump.

  A backup pump is an inexpensive insurance policy, eliminating the headaches, cost, and health hazards associated with a flooded basement.

All Watchdog backup pumps feature a microreed Dual Float Switch, the most reliable method to activate a pump, with 2 floats for double the protection.  

The controllers in each Basement Watchdog backup system provide crucial, 24-hour-a-day monitoring of pump, power and battery conditions. The user-friendly controller detects irregularities, sounds an alarm, and displays issues and solutions on the controller’s front panel. Being informed of issues allows homeowners to step in quickly to address them, avoiding the expense, hassle and health risks caused by a flooded basement.    

Yes, if/when water reaches the battery backup pump's Dual Float Switch, because:

• power is interrupted so the AC pump can't run
• the AC pump fails
• the AC pump's float has an issue and it doesn't turn on the pump
• more water is coming into the sump pit than the primary pump can handle

With 3 backup pump models, The Basement Watchdog has one that will have the capacity to keep your basement dry. 

1. You can go to main battery backup sump pump page and click on the orange "Compare Sump Pumps" button near the top of the page to compare the pumping capacity and other key features and specifications for all 3 of our backups.
2. You can take "Find Your Perfect Pump" by answering a series of simple questions that should help you narrow down your choice.
3. You can get advice on the best backup pump for your home's needs from one of our helpful customer service team members by calling toll-free (800) 991-0466 , Option 3, from 8am - 6pm CST Monday-Friday.

All The Basement Watchdog battery backup systems are equipped with an automatic charger that helps extend the life of the battery while maintaining the maximum charge on the battery without overcharging.

The Basement Watchdog CONNECTED Pumps

Yes, it is possible to remotely monitor and receive notifications on the status of your Basement Watchdog battery backup or combo system.

Basement Watchdog CONNECT® with USB Data Port:

• Connect the backup or combo system to a Basement Watchdog WiFi Module via a USB cable; The WiFi module now acts a gateway to the Internet.
• Basement Watchdog WiFi Module links to a Wi-Fi router and will send text, email, or push notifications using the Basement Watchdog phone app
• Conveys which alert has been activated or what maintenance may be needed

Basement Watchdog CONNECT® currently is available on the following systems:

Remote Terminal:

• Connects to optional Basement Watchdog CONNECT® WiFi Module
• Connects to a home-security system, or other device with dry contacts
• Allows older model Basement Watchdog systems to alert remotely

The best way to power your backup pump is to buy a matching battery that was engineered to work with that pump. The Basement Watchdog backup systems pair perfectly with The Basement Watchdog Maintenance Free AGM Standby Battery (Model BW-27-AGM). Its unique construction means longer runtimes. An automative or deep-cycle battery can’t compete. 

The best way to compare our 3 Basement Watchdog battery backup systems is to go to the main backup page of this web site and click on the orange "COMPARE BACKUP PUMPS" button.  

A backup pump with a dead battery, loose cables, or a clogged pump is like having no backup at all. With other brands, you will never know if there is a problem. All Basement Watchdog backup pump systems have unique monitoring systems that sound an alarm when maintenance is needed or when a problem arises.

For added reliability, the float switch has two floats. Both perform the same operation—they activate the pump. Should one float switch fail to operate, the second float automatically turns the pump on.

The float switch will turn on the pump when the water raises either float, and it will remain running as long as the water is above the float. When the water drops below the float switch, an internal timer in the control unit will keep the pump running an additional 25-60 seconds to empty the sump pit. The actual additional runtime will depend on the backup system.  

All Watchdog backup systems include the pump, monitoring/charging controller, float switch and battery box. You will need to purchase a standby battery. Any additional parts needed for installation, (i.e., check valves and pipe) are listed on the box and in the product's manual.

The best installation method is a direct discharge to the outside of the building. With this method, your backup pump is able to operate at full capacity if your main pump is not able to keep up with the incoming water. Also, a bad check valve will not affect the operation of either pump.

Installation is easy. All systems come with a detailed manual (Big Dog, Special, Emergency) that includes pictures of the installation process. An installation video also is available to help guide you.

The Big Dog CONNECT® and Special CONNECT® systems can utilize 2 batteries. The 2 batteries must be connected in parallel—positive to positive and negative to negative. A special cable (PJC) can be ordered by calling Glentronics at 800-991-0466, option 3, and also is carried by some of our retail partners in the U.S. and Canada. It is highly recommended to use batteries that are the same size and age. Connecting 2 batteries in parallel will double your pumping time during a power outage. For safety, each battery should be housed in a battery box. Our backup systems come with a battery box, but if you are hooking up a second battery, call Glentronics to purchase a battery box for that battery.

• Every one of our BWE (Basement Watchdog Emergency) model systems will work with AGM batteries
• If you have a BWSP (Basement Watchdog Special) system, the model number on the back of the controller needs to be BWSP-A and the serial number greater than 300,000)
• If you have a BWD12-120C (Basement Watchdog Big Dog) system, the serial number should be higher than 190,000 and your system should have a slide switch to select either maintenance free or non-maintenance free on the front of the controller.

If you have any questions about battery compatibility with your system call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 and we can advise you. A maintenance-free battery can be used on all current Basement Watchdog battery backup pump systems and for the backup pump in all of our current combo systems.**

Battery Backup System Runtime*
Big Dog CONNECT ®	40 hours
Special CONNECT ®	48 hours
Emergency	80 hours

* Based on a 10% duty cycle. Runtimes may vary based on inflow of water.

** Older versions, before 2014, of the Basement Watchdog Special, Basement Watchdog Big Dog and Basement Watchdog Big Combo systems may not be compatible with maintenance-free batteries. Using a maintenance-free battery with an older system may cause false alarms. Please call us at (800) 991-0466, Opt. 3, for questions about compatibility.

Before starting the installation, clean the pit of all debris. The pump’s strainer must be kept clear. The pump should NOT be set directly onto a clay, earthen, or sand pit base. Instead install bricks, blocks or a sump foot under the pump to provide a solid base and raise the pump off the sump pit floor and away from any debris in the pit that build up between pit cleanings.

Power surges and power spikes can occur at anytime. Unfortunately, they can damage the electronics inside the control unit of your backup system. Protect your backup system with a surge protector, a device that suppresses power surges. A surge protector can be purchased at any electronics or hardware store. They are rated in joules. At least 1500 joules is recommended for any of our backup systems. We do NOT suggest plugging the primary pump into a surge protector.

You will also need to supply:

• a Basement Watchdog battery
• a 1½-inch rigid PVC pipe and fittings
• PVC primer with cement
• a union with hose clamps, or a "Y" connector and two check valves (depending on the installation method you use
• a surge protector (recommended)

If you are not connecting to an existing discharge pipe, a check valve is not required. However, a check valve will prevent water from flowing back into the pit when the pump has stopped. If you are connecting to an existing discharge pipe, 2 check valves are required. Both must be installed below the "Y" connector and ³⁄₁₆-inch hole must be drilled below the check valve and the backup pump.

Having two working check valves below the "Y" connector is very critical to the operation of the backup pump. For example, if the check valve is bad above the main pump, the water will not get discharged by the backup pump if it has to activate. The water will only go up the "Y" connector and then come down through the main pump's discharge pipe. The check valve above the main pump must be working and installed properly in order for the backup pump to operate.

For narrow pits you can mount the backup pump on an "L" bracket above the main pump. You will need to purchase the following items from a hardware store:

• "L" bracket at least six inches long (preferably one that will not rust)
• 2 stainless-steel hose clamps
• 1 stainless-steel screw (#8-32 x ¾") with a matching washer & nut

Refer to your product manual for instructions on how to mount the backup pump above your primary pump.

An easier option is to purchase one of our combination systems when it is time to add a backup or replace your existing battery backup system. These systems come preassembled with check valves, a "Y" connector, and both a primary and backup pump. The compact design of our combo systems allow them to fit into most narrow pits.

 

No, currently our systems do not support lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

The Basement Watchdog CONNECTED Pumps

Yes, it is possible to remotely monitor and receive notifications on the status of your Basement Watchdog battery backup or combo system.

Basement Watchdog CONNECT® with USB Data Port:

• Connect the backup or combo system to a Basement Watchdog WiFi Module via a USB cable; The WiFi module now acts a gateway to the Internet.
• Basement Watchdog WiFi Module links to a Wi-Fi router and will send text, email, or push notifications using the Basement Watchdog phone app
• Conveys which alert has been activated or what maintenance may be needed

Basement Watchdog CONNECT® currently is available on the following systems:

Remote Terminal:

• Connects to optional Basement Watchdog CONNECT® WiFi Module
• Connects to a home-security system, or other device with dry contacts
• Allows older model Basement Watchdog systems to alert remotely

A combination system gives you two in one—an AC sump pump and a battery backup pump—in a preassembled, compact package that is simple and quick to install.

• Preassembled for easy installation
• Compact design fits into pits with diameters as small as 12 inches
• AC-powered primary pump operates as long as power is on
• Battery-powered backup pump will take over during a power outage

• You want to add a backup pump for extra protection and replace your old AC pump before it fails 
• Your primary pump just quit on you and your basement took on a bit of water; a combo would allow you to add a backup pump to a new primary and easily double your protection 
• Your pit is small and wouldn’t allow you to install primary and backup pumps side by side 
• You’re not a plumber and are looking for an easy, DIY option

• A microreed Dual Float Switch is the most reliable way to activate a pump 

• 4 floats for added redundancy, with a Dual Float Switch on both the primary and backup pump in a combo system

• Protective cage for the primary pump prevents debris or wires from interfering with the float’s movement so it won’t get hung up

For added reliability, the float switch has two floats. Should one float switch fail to operate, the second float automatically activates the pump. This means that the combination system features a total of four float switches for extra reliability. The primary pump's float switch features a protective cage that prevents debris or other wires from interfering with the movement of the floats.

The float switch will turn on the pump when the water raises either float, and it will remain running as long as the water is above the float. When the water drops below the float switch, an internal timer in the control unit will keep the pump running to empty the rest of the water in the pit. The backup control unit will run the pump for additional 25-60 seconds. The dual float controller for the primary pump will keep the pump running for additional 25-30 seconds.

• High-capacity Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motor 

• Durable, cast-iron construction 

• Upper and lower ball bearings for a smooth, energy-efficient, long life 

Yes, if/when water reaches the battery backup pump's Dual Float Switch, because:

• power is interrupted so the AC pump can't run
• the AC pump fails
• the AC pump's float has an issue and it doesn't turn on the pump
• more water is coming into the sump pit than the primary pump can handle

This user-friendly controller:

• Sounds an alarm
• Illuminates a warning light
• Describes what to do for easy maintenance

The Basement Watchdog Big Combo can utilize 2 batteries. The 2 batteries must be connected in parallel—positive to positive and negative to negative. A special cable (PJC) can be ordered by calling Glentronics at 800-991-0466, option 3, and also is carried by some of our retail partners in the U.S. and Canada. It is highly recommended to use batteries that are the same size and age. Connecting 2 batteries in parallel will double your pumping time during a power outage. For safety, each battery should be housed in a battery box. Our backup systems come with a battery box, but if you are hooking up a second battery, call Glentronics to purchase a battery box for that battery.

A maintenance-free battery can be used on:

	Maintenance Free/ AGM Battery**
COMBO SYSTEM RUNTIME*
Big Combo	48 hours
Combo	80 hours

* Based on a 10% duty cycle. Runtimes may vary based on inflow of water.

** Older versions—before 2014—of the Basement Watchdog Special, Basement Watchdog Big Dog and Basement Watchdog Big Combo systems may not be compatible with maintenance-free batteries. Using a maintenance-free battery with an older system may cause false alarms. Please call us at (800) 991-0466 opt. 3 for questions about compatibility.

Power surges and power spikes can occur at anytime. Unfortunately they can damage the electronics inside the control unit of your backup system. Protect your backup system with a surge protector which is a device that suppresses power surges. A surge protector can be purchased at any electronics or hardware store. They are rated in joules. At least 1500 joules is recommended for any of our backup systems. We do not suggest plugging the primary pump into a surge protector.

For convenience, both pumps have been preassembled for easy installation with a "Y" connector and two check valves. All combination systems come with detailed manuals that include pictures of the installation process. Easy-to-follow videos also are available to guide you.

All Basement Watchdog combination systems come with a primary pump with Dual Float Switch, backup pump with a mounting bracket, control unit for the backup pump with a Dual Float Switch and battery fluid sensor, transformer, a rubber union, battery cap, and extra zip ties to secure wires.

You also will need to supply a 12V standby battery. All Basement Watchdog standby batteries are specifically designed to work with our battery backup and combination systems. For some installations you also may need these additional items:

• 1½-inch rigid PVC pipe
• 1½-inch PVC pipe connector or 1½-inch rubber union
• PVC pipe primer and cement

All Basement Watchdog combination systems come with two built in check valves. It is highly recommended to remove the existing check valve.  Not only will it reduce the pumping capacity of both pumps but it can cause pressure problems or air lock.

No, currently our systems do not support lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.

• Every one of our BWE (Basement Watchdog Emergency) model systems will work with AGM batteries
• If you have a BWSP (Basement Watchdog Special) system, the model number on the back of the controller needs to be BWSP-A and the serial number greater than 300,000)
• If you have a BWD12-120C (Basement Watchdog Big Dog) system, the serial number should be higher than 190,000 and your system should have a slide switch to select either maintenance free or non-maintenance free on the front of the controller.

If you have any questions about battery compatibility with your system call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 and we can advise you. A maintenance-free battery can be used on all current Basement Watchdog battery backup pump systems and for the backup pump in all of our current combo systems.**

Battery Backup System Runtime*
Big Dog CONNECT ®	40 hours
Special CONNECT ®	48 hours
Emergency	80 hours

* Based on a 10% duty cycle. Runtimes may vary based on inflow of water.

** Older versions, before 2014, of the Basement Watchdog Special, Basement Watchdog Big Dog and Basement Watchdog Big Combo systems may not be compatible with maintenance-free batteries. Using a maintenance-free battery with an older system may cause false alarms. Please call us at (800) 991-0466, Opt. 3, for questions about compatibility.

A maintenance-free battery can be used on:

	Maintenance Free/ AGM Battery**
COMBO SYSTEM RUNTIME*
Big Combo	48 hours
Combo	80 hours

* Based on a 10% duty cycle. Runtimes may vary based on inflow of water.

** Older versions—before 2014—of the Basement Watchdog Special, Basement Watchdog Big Dog and Basement Watchdog Big Combo systems may not be compatible with maintenance-free batteries. Using a maintenance-free battery with an older system may cause false alarms. Please call us at (800) 991-0466 opt. 3 for questions about compatibility.

The Basement Watchdog batteries have been designed specifically to work with the Basement Watchdog backup systems and combo systems. Our maintenance-free batteries are designed to power sump pumps, which means they have longer runtimes and a longer overall product life.

• Standby batteries are made to be discharged and recharged
• Will last longer and perform better than automotive or deep-cycle batteries when used to power a backup sump pump
• Very high reserve capacity means they can power our backup systems continuously for hours or intermittently for days

It depends on the size of the battery and the backup sump pump system that is doing the charging.

• The Big Dog system has a powerful 20-Amp smart charger that will charge a discharged battery in approximately 6 hours.
• The Basement Watchdog Special has a smaller 1.6-Amp smart charger and can take up  to 3 days to fully recharge.
• The Emergency system is a small .4 amp trickle charger and can take several days to recharge a battery.

Alternately, you could take the battery to a service station or battery or auto parts store for a quick charge, or hook the battery up to an automotive charger if you have one. Be sure to disconnect the control unit from the battery if you are using an automotive charger. If you don't, the control unit may be damaged.

Over time, corrosion forms on the terminals that connect the battery to the unit. This corrosion is common, but if it is not cleaned off, the battery will not charge properly. The Basement Watchdog backup and combination systems can detect this corrosion and will sound an alarm when cleaning of the battery terminals is needed. Use a stiff wire brush or sandpaper to clean the battery terminal posts, the rings on the end of the battery cable, and the wing nuts until they are shiny. See the product manual included your backup or combo system for detailed instructions and safety precautions.  

If your Basement Watchdog backup or combo system is a version that came with a fluid sensor rod and you are powering that system with a maintenance-free battery, you will need to to permanently disable the "water fluid low" alarm. To accomplish that, attach the fluid sensor rod to the positive terminal of the battery by tightening down the wing nut on top of the positive terminal and the fluid sensor.

Give a new battery approximately 24 hours to come to a full charge. If the battery light is still on after 24 hours, please contact out service department for additional troubleshooting tips. They can be reached at 800-991-0466, option 3.

Be sure to add fluid to all 6 battery cells in your wet-cell battery and then place the sensor rod in the correct cell—the second cell from the positive (+) terminal of the battery. If the sensor rod is put into any other cell, it will not measure correctly and the "low water" alarm may go off. Make sure all 2 ½ inches of the sensor is inserted in the predrilled hole in the battery cap, or in the hole in the battery case, depending on which battery you own. An arrow on the top label points to the correct location. If you are using a different brand of battery, the fluid sensor must be attached to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. Note: You should never drill a hole into the battery yourself.

The Basement Watchdog Maintenance Free/AGM standby batteries DON'T require any acid or water to be added. The Basement Watchdog wet-cell standby batteries come dry and must be activated with acid. The life of the battery starts when it is filled with acid. The 2 former models of wet-cell batteries have been discontinued by Basement Watchdog as we chose to focus on our maintenance-free battery model, but some of these wet-cell batteries may still be used in homes or be for sale on shelves at our retail partners.

For The Basement Watchdog battery backup systems powered by a wet-cell battery, water should be added to the battery every 4-6 months, although as the battery ages this fill time may be shortened. If the battery is running low on water every few weeks, it may be time to retire that battery and replace it. You can get your battery load-tested at your local automobile service station.  If the battery tests fine, your system may be overcharging the battery, which means your backup system may need to be sent to Glentronics for service.

By adding the acid, you are activating the wet-cell battery. After adding the acid, your wet-cell battery will be charged 80% to 90% within 15 minutes. It can be used immediately, and the system will complete the charging process once the charger on your backup pump is plugged into the wall.

The smell of rotten eggs is common when a wet-cell battery is new. When you fill the battery with acid, the initial reaction between the plates and the acid produces sulfur dioxide. It smells like rotten eggs, but is harmless and will dissipate within a short time.

Doublecheck that you have no more acid left in the pack. If the pack is empty, more acid may need to be purchased. You can purchase 1 quart of 1.265 specific gravity acid from a battery store. If the first 5 cells are full, you can use a turkey baster or other similar tool to even out the cells, making sure that the plates are fully covered.  You may then use distilled water to top off all 6 cells. Note: Immediately after use, thoroughly wash the turkey baster before use with food.

The acid can be neutralized with baking soda or can be taken to any place that has a HazMat (Hazardous materials) pickup. To find a hazardous waste drop-off location near you, check with your local municipality or waste management provider, or visit your state's EPA website to find household hazardous waste collections or permanent facilities near you.

The yellow cap is used with Basement Watchdog wet cell standby batteries (a discontinued product although some may still be available in retail stores) to accommodate the fluid sensor. It is to be placed in the second cell from the positive post and the sensor is inserted into the off-center hole in the cap. Note: Some Basement Watchdog batteries have only 2 long rectangular caps with a hole already present in the top of the battery case. If you have this type of battery, the yellow cap will not be needed but keep it in case you need it in the future. If you have misplaced your yellow cap, please call Glentronics at 800-991-0466, option 3, for a free replacement.

A carbon monoxide detector cannot differentiate between sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. Sulfur dioxide, which is emitted by the battery, is not harmful. Move the carbon monoxide detector a little further away from the battery.

Most replacement parts for our systems can be ordered direct from us by calling our service team at 800-991-0466, Option 3. Be sure to have the model and serial number of your system handy when you call so we can make sure you get the correct part needed. 

The best installation method is a direct discharge to the outside of the building. With this method, your backup pump is able to operate at full capacity if your main pump is not able to keep up with the incoming water. Also, a bad check valve will not affect the operation of either pump.

• Every one of our BWE (Basement Watchdog Emergency) model systems will work with AGM batteries
• If you have a BWSP (Basement Watchdog Special) system, the model number on the back of the controller needs to be BWSP-A and the serial number greater than 300,000)
• If you have a BWD12-120C (Basement Watchdog Big Dog) system, the serial number should be higher than 190,000 and your system should have a slide switch to select either maintenance free or non-maintenance free on the front of the controller.

If you have any questions about battery compatibility with your system call our service team at 800-991-0466 option 3 and we can advise you. A maintenance-free battery can be used on all current Basement Watchdog battery backup pump systems and for the backup pump in all of our current combo systems.**

Battery Backup System Runtime*
Big Dog CONNECT ®	40 hours
Special CONNECT ®	48 hours
Emergency	80 hours

* Based on a 10% duty cycle. Runtimes may vary based on inflow of water.

** Older versions, before 2014, of the Basement Watchdog Special, Basement Watchdog Big Dog and Basement Watchdog Big Combo systems may not be compatible with maintenance-free batteries. Using a maintenance-free battery with an older system may cause false alarms. Please call us at (800) 991-0466, Opt. 3, for questions about compatibility.

A maintenance-free battery can be used on:

	Maintenance Free/ AGM Battery**
COMBO SYSTEM RUNTIME*
Big Combo	48 hours
Combo	80 hours

* Based on a 10% duty cycle. Runtimes may vary based on inflow of water.

** Older versions—before 2014—of the Basement Watchdog Special, Basement Watchdog Big Dog and Basement Watchdog Big Combo systems may not be compatible with maintenance-free batteries. Using a maintenance-free battery with an older system may cause false alarms. Please call us at (800) 991-0466 opt. 3 for questions about compatibility.

The rating of the fuse is specific to the model unit. Please look carefully at the fuse or the back of your backup control box for the fuse rating. A replacement fuse can be purchased from:

• Glentronics:
  • Toll Free: (800) 991-0466, Option 3
  • E-mail: [email protected]
• Auto Parts or Hardware Store: DC fuse
• Hardware Store: AC fuse

If you are not connecting to an existing discharge pipe, a check valve is not required. However, a check valve will prevent water from flowing back into the pit when the pump has stopped. If you are connecting to an existing discharge pipe, 2 check valves are required. Both must be installed below the "Y" connector and ³⁄₁₆-inch hole must be drilled below the check valve and the backup pump.

Having two working check valves below the "Y" connector is very critical to the operation of the backup pump. For example, if the check valve is bad above the main pump, the water will not get discharged by the backup pump if it has to activate. The water will only go up the "Y" connector and then come down through the main pump's discharge pipe. The check valve above the main pump must be working and installed properly in order for the backup pump to operate.

Power surges and power spikes can occur at anytime. Unfortunately they can damage the electronics inside the control unit of your backup or combination system. Protect your backup or combo system with a surge protector, a device that suppresses power surges, which can be purchased at any electronics or hardware store. Surge protectors are rated in joules—at least 1500 joules is recommended for all Basement Watchdog backup systems and also for the backup pump in our combination systems. Do not plug the primary pump into a surge protector.

The float switch should be mounted about six inches above the water level line in the sump pit. Attach the float switch very securely to the discharge pipe with a plastic wire tie.

For added reliability, the float switch has two floats. Both perform the same operation, activate the pump. Should one float switch fail to operate, the second float automatically activates the pump.

The float switch will turn on the pump when the water raises either float, and it will remain running as long as the water is above the float. When the water drops below the float switch, an internal timer in the control unit will keep the pump running an additional 25-60 seconds to empty the sump pit. The actual additional runtime will depend on the backup system.

The purpose of the ³⁄₁₆-inch hole is to prevent the pump from being air locked. A pump that is air locked cannot pump water. When the pump is running, water should be shooting out of the hole. This hole should be drilled approximately 3 inches above the pump at a 45° angle directed downward, so the water that comes out of the hole will flow back into the sump pit. Some main pumps may require the ³⁄₁₆-inch hole as well. Check with the manufacturer of your main pump if it is required, or watch our installation videos.

Most check valves make a sound when they close. First, check that your discharge assembly is attached solidly, and second, that the pump is resting firmly on the bottom of the pit. If the valve's clunk isn't muted by the previous steps, consider replacing your existing check valve with the Basement Watchdog quiet check valve. This check valve is spring-loaded and its angled seat design minimizes noise when the pump shuts off.

On the Big Dog, Special, and Big Combo systems press and hold the reset button continuously for approximately 5 seconds to silence the alarm for 24 hours. On the Basement Watchdog Emergency, slide the switch, located on the front panel, to the left. Please note that not all alarms can be silenced if immediate attention is required. Please refer to your pump's instruction manual for details.

1. Check the pump's installation. Make sure the pump is plugged into the back of the control unit.
2. If a check valve has been used in the installation, make sure it is installed correctly. If it is upside down, no water can pass through it. Make sure the arrow on the check valve is pointing up.
3. If you are using 2 check valves, check to ensure both check valves are installed properly and below the "Y" connector.
4. Check the operation of the check valve above the main pump.
5. Verify that a ³⁄₁₆-inch hole has been drilled in the PVC pipe about 3 inches above the pump.
6. If you have a high overall rise of piping, it might be too much for the backup pump to handle. Try limiting the amount of 90-degree angled piping to reduce the overall pressure.
7. You also can call our service team for further advice at 800-991-0466, Option 3.

Make sure the Dual Float Switch is properly mounted with the round floats hanging below the metal bracket. Ensure the bracket is straight, not on an angle. Once the float switch is activated, it starts a timer that will run the pump about 8-10 seconds before it shuts off. If this is a first-time installation and the pump is running nonstop as soon as you plug it in, verify that the primary pump’s power cord is plugged into the front receptacle of the BWC1 float controller and not directly into the outlet itself.    

Make sure the Dual Float Switch is properly mounted with the round floats hanging below the metal bracket. Make sure the bracket is straight, not on an angle. Once the float switch is activated, it starts a timer that will run the pump about 25-60 seconds before it shuts off. This way it will empty all the water in the sump pit. The pump will not be damaged if it keeps running after all the water has been discharged from the sump.  

To change the email address used to sign in to the account, you will need to use a small object like a paper clip to hold the “Reset” button in until the red and green lights begin to alternate. You will then need to repeat the original setup procedure as explained in the manual or video.

• Apple IPhone users can find their app here.
• Android phone users can download their app here.

When you power on the module and follow the setup procedure as outlined in the setup guide, it will ask you for an email address. Once you’ve completed the setup procedure, you will receive an email from us at that email address (be sure to check your junk/spam folder if you don’t see it in your inbox) with a link to create a password. The email address you provide us with during the setup procedure will be your username and the password is the one you create when following the link. The password must be at least 10 characters long and have at least 1 lower-case letter, at least 1 upper-case letter, and at least 1 numeral.

We first recommend performing a power cycle. To do so, disconnect any cables plugged into the WiFi Module until both of the LED lights are off. After 10 seconds, reconnect the cables. The module should reconnect within 25 seconds. If not, use a small object to hold the “Reset” button in until the red and green lights begin to alternate. You will then need to repeat the original setup procedure, as outlined in the setup guide or the setup video.

We recommend performing a power cycle. To do so, disconnect any cables plugged into the Wifi Module until both of the LED lights are off. After 10 seconds, reconnect the cables. The module should reconnect within 25 seconds.

To connect the module to a new network or a network where the credentials have been changed, you will need to use a small object like a paper clip to hold the “Reset” button in until the red and green lights begin to alternate. You will then need to repeat the original setup procedure, as outlined in the setup guide or the setup video.